Mariappa defiant despite defeat

Reading defender Adrian Mariappa has said the squad has to remain positive, despite their defeat to Stoke.

The Royals lost their first game in seven at the Britannia on Saturday and as a result, have dropped back into the relegation zone. Despite this defeat, the former Watford defender remains confident that him and his teammates have the ability to escape the relegation dogfight and remain in the Premier League.

Speaking to the Reading Post, Mariappa said: 'It was a tough game and they have some big boys - they used their attributes really well and in the first half I thought we stood up to that. We're disappointed with the goals, but it's been a positive time for us and we will remain positive. We've done a lot of travelling around, it does take its toll.'

'You remained focused on the job at hand and when we flew out to Mexico we did all the right preparation and made sure we took care of little things like your hydration. But when the whistle goes all that stuff goes out of your head and you're fully focused. It's the same when I came back, but unfortunately we didn't get the result we wanted.'

It's good to see that the team is remaining positive despite the defeat on Saturday, as we can't forget Stoke are a very tough side to beat at home. I also don't think its no coincidence that our turn in form has coincided with Mariappa's solid run of performances, who seems to be forming a solid partnership alongside Alex Pearce.